Yah Lah But #741 ft. IPS Researcher - Why Religion is Rising in SG & Can AI Replace God? | Dr Mathew Mathews
Nov 17, 2025
Dr. Mathew Mathews, a leading researcher at the Institute of Policy Studies in Singapore, dives deep into the intricate relationship between race, religion, and national identity. He reveals surprising findings from a recent survey showing that many Singaporeans prioritize their religious and ethnic identities over being Singaporean. Mathew discusses the sensitivities involved in researching these topics, the rise of online religious engagement post-COVID, and even contemplates if AI could ever replace spiritual guidance—all while navigating the complex dynamics of faith in modern society.
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Backlash From A Controversial Headline
- A 2019 headline claiming '15% find Muslims threatening' sparked heavy online backlash against the researcher.
- Mathew Mathews recounted threats and calls to report him, showing public sensitivity to such findings.
Prepare For Headline Compression
- Researchers should ensure robust methods and clear reporting because media will compress results into headlines.
- Anticipate misinterpretation and prepare context to reduce public backlash.
Religion And Race Can Topple National Identity
- Many Singaporeans place race or religion above national identity when forced to pick a single top identity.
- This reveals potential fault lines if identities are politically or socially exploited.